South Ramp of the Lötschberg Railway

The South Ramp of the Lötschberg Railway Line high above the Rhone Valley in Canton Valais is a 26 km hiking trail from Hohtenn to Brig that can be walked in stages, the most popular of which is to start in Hohtenn and walk either 10 km to the railway station in Ausserberg (3 hours) or an additional 5 km or 1.5 hours to the railway station in Eggerberg.

The trail is not difficult to walk although there are a few short steep stretches. Along the way there is much to see and learn about railway and bridge engineering with some spectacular railway bridges, and a suspension bridge over the Joli Gorge (built in 2003). Also along the way are information stations about some of the sights in the valley below, such as the “Castle Church” of Raron. Part of the trail also runs along one of the many irrigation channels in this area. And of course there is always a fantastic view up and down the Rhone Valley.

(Description from a BLS brochure): “Completely renovated in 2013 and extended as far as Brig, the first railway hiking trail in Europe runs on the sunny side of the Rhone Valley along the Lötschberg mountain line of the BLS. The trail has fascinating Alpine and southern European flora, “Suonen” water channels, spectacular railway buildings and superb views, as well as cosy benches and exciting information boards and panoramas.”